Recently, forty scholars from six countries have garnered attention by being selected for the award of the Indian Science Research Fellowship (ISRF) 2021. The ISRF is an initiative launched by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), aiming to foster research cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The Inception and Purpose of ISRF
The ISRF programme was established in 2015 as part of India’s initiatives to cultivate Science and Technology partnerships with its neighbouring countries. Its mission is to provide young researchers access to state-of-the-art facilities available in Indian institutes and universities. Over the years, it has successfully created a platform for budding researchers to expand their horizons and get international exposure.
Implications of the Fellowship: Science Diplomacy & Technological Advancement
The ISRF fellowship plays a significant role in achieving two key objectives. Firstly, through Science Diplomacy, it aids in enlarging India’s influence on global platforms. It also mainstreams Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) into international diplomacy and foreign relations, thus promoting India’s scientific prowess. Secondly, it fosters technological advancement in the South Asia region by increasing the cross-pollination of ideas and knowledge.
About the International Science and Technology Cooperation Division
The International S&T Cooperation (IC) Division of DST holds the responsibility of negotiating, concluding, and executing STI Agreements between India and other nations. It also puts forth interventions on STI aspects in international fora.
The Significance of International Science and Technology Cooperation
The IC division’s crucial mandate lies in showcasing and projecting India’s scientific excellence within the global research landscape. This division aids in leveraging foreign alliances and partnerships to expedite key priorities and programmes dedicated to enhancing India’s national science and technology (S&T)/ Research and Development (R&D) competencies and capabilities. This is achieved by ensuring access to technologies that align with national flagship programmes.
International Programmes Partnered by IC Division
To fortify its mission, the IC division has undertaken various international partnerships. It partners in critical international programmes like the International Solar Alliance, Mission Innovation, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, and The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). These collaborations not only augment India’s position on the global stage but also contribute significantly to the nation’s technological development and scientific progression.